Spinoza: The Letters

Publication of this work has been supported by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Samuel Shirley's splendid new translation, with critical annotation reflecting research of the last half-century, is the only edition of the complete text of Spinoza's correspondence available in English. An historical-philosophical Introduction, detailed annotation, a chronology, and a bibliography are also included.

Reviews:

"Especially valuable is the very scholarly Introduction and commentary. Probably no Spinoza scholars are more knowledgeable about the man, his times, and his philosophy; and they provide what I find to be really helpful guidance."
     —Paul Eisenberg, Indiana University

"An extremely important contribution to Spinoza scholarship.  Spinoza's Letters are valuable supplements to his philosophical books.  Shirley's translation is accurate and readable; the editors' Introduction is informative and useful.  I am very happy to have this item in my Spinoza library."
     —Seymour Feldman, Department of Philosophy, Rutgers University

"This new edition of Spinoza's letters collects into one place an important source of material for Spinoza scholars.  Here one finds him developing and working through ideas that would achieve mature expression in his later writings, in particular The Ethics.  Also, one finds Spinoza often responding to questions and/or problems others had with many of the central themes of The Ethics and other works.  One can thus turn to the letters in order to supplement and further clarify the philosopher's primary works.  This collection will, for these reasons, be a useful addition to the ever increasing number of collections of Spinoza's writings.  The Introduction by Steven Barbone, Lee Rice, and Jacob Adler is brief, though informative.  It establishes both the context and the significance of the letters.  Recommended to readers already familiar with Spinoza, or to those who wish to supplement their reading of Spinoza's major works."
     —J. A. Bell, CHOICE

About the Author:

Samuel Shirley, (1912-2006), was Classics Exhibitioner of Balliol College, Oxford, and Latin Lecturer at Cardiff University.